Baby brother and I visited Mom, as usual, in the evening. We had been talking about our ancestry when the conversation turned, as it often does, to words – both their spelling and derivation. I smiled and enjoyed the discussion, a typical conversation when you grow up with two English majors for parents. The folks…
For now, my strolls on the beach with Tango, hikes in the mountains, wanderings in the meadows, and interactions with bison: gone and replaced by wheeled adventures with Mom to assorted doctors. Next week, the podiatrist for a toenail clipping, eye doctor for an assessment, and primary care physician for a routine, long-scheduled visit. The…
Mom developed a serious infection in one eye after receiving routine shots in her eye for macular degeneration. Her doctor (who comes to Akron once a week) runs the retina clinic at the Cole Eye Center, which is part of the renowned Cleveland Clinic. I took mom to the Akron clinic when it was clear she…
Each day I see another Midwestern icon that brings back memories of my childhood. This morning on my way to mom’s room, I saw a perfectly preserved, 1970s convertible with the top down – mom and dad in the front, two boys in the back. I swear they wore vintage garb. When the stoplight changed I…
When Grandma Alice was in the apartment I kept busy all day, protecting her. I was a paragon, a perfect 4-legged granny nanny. I slept under her walker and by her bed. I followed her to the bathroom and shower to make sure she stayed safe. One night she got up and headed to the…
Both elderly parents still live in the rehab center. I am camped out in their apartment, and I will confess to enjoying the quietude – nothing but the sound of urban traffic speeding by and the hum of hundreds of air conditioners. It is not the quiet of my little campground near Yellowstone; however, compared…
I remember intense, illogical youthful emotions – even a lost sock could send me or a friend into a tizzy. A poor grade in college, an indifferent boyfriend, a disruption in nightly plans, a lost textbook – all major life crises with the power to detonate a mighty, peace-destroying, self-deflating missile. I was never one to…
The end of a long, arduous week! Travel 1850 miles Settle in with mom Cook meals, help with other stuff Adjust to time zone two hours later, which has affected my sleep schedule Adapt to big city driving in a small car: to and from hospital and grocery store Adapt to a different way of…
Seven nights ago, I posted about staying overnight in Livingston, MT, at the truck stop near the freeway. I awoke at 2:30 AM to hop the westbound Greyhound. Tonight, I am at the same truck stop, in the same van. That is where the similarity ends. I need not wake up until 6:30 AM, a real…
Be around young people Participate in their lives Learn about what they like Listen to their views Give some of your time and talents to others Keep moving Keep learning Follow your heart, trust your instincts For a more thorough prescription, see the Center for Conscious Eldering!